If I could only have "one" gun, I wouldn't lose any sleep if I only had a Ruger Single action in either .22 (#1 choice of caliber, if restricted to only one), or a Blackhawk in .357 or .41 Mag. Of course, I'm allowed to keep my scattergun too..????

If I had to stick with only one, and it had to last the rest of my life, I'd actually prefer a SA revolver. More specifically, a Ruger NM BH or Vaquero in .45 Colt.

I had a sight fall off of a super BH while negotiating through some brush once at a most inopportune time, so I'd likely stick with the Vaquero. I can adjust the sight picture to accomodate the various loads I use. Heck, even with adjustable sights, I never re-sighted for various loads. I simply adjusted my aim to make 'em hit where I wanted.

Few parts to wear out or break, and they're easily replaced. Availability is good, and even aftermarket parts are easily obtained.

Folks always bring up that the Ruger has all coil springs. No doubt this is a better mechanical design than the original Colt leaf springs. (A coil spring is exactly the same as a leaf spring except that it's longer, so a given amount of spring deflection is spread over a much longer length of spring, which reduces fatigue and work hardening of the spring.)

The most commonly-broken spring in a Colt or Colt-clone SA was the hand spring.

I just bought a new Cimarron .45 Colt, and when I got it I stripped it down to give it a good inspection and cleaning. I discovered that it has a Ruger-like coil hand spring! (I also immediately ordered a spare spring, plunger, and retaining screw - those puppys are tiny, and I bet they can easily get away from you and get lost in the gun-spring-eating carpet in the man cave.)

l would never feel undergunned w/single action revolver. Short of going to war 95% of us would be fully protected too. l once read about ALL the recorded shootouts by NYC police dept from 1854 til 1990 betwen them and bad guys. Avg shots fired-2.3 Avg yardage-2 First shot fired by police ended 80% of the fights

0f all handgun designs none compare to the speed of a SA for firing the first shot

Just ordered a new Bisley Viquero last week. SS, 5.5 " barrel with pearl handles. I will be trading out the grips for a pair of woods. BTY if anyone is interested in the Ruger Pearls, let me know mruggiero48@yahoo.com

I had a sight fall off of a super BH while negotiating through some brush once at a most inopportune time, so I'd likely stick with the Vaquero.

I read a post from a fellow on one of the forums quite some time ago, who said he removed the sight from his Blackhawk and used the "ears" and the front sight for a quick (and probably none too precise) fixed sight. I remember he said he had to file down the front sight somewhat. Not recommending it but something to remember in my view.

An elderly friend of mine has a Colt copy from Italy that is over 62 years old. It is as solid as the day they made it. If you plan on getting into wild gunfights with terrorists as a special forces operator, perhaps a single action is not enough. But for citizen self defense, or a field pistol, it is absolutely reliable and effective. I have often thought that if I had to take one gun into the field with me it would be my Ruger Super Blackhawk in 44 Mag or my Ruger Vaquero in 45 Colt. They simply do not fail.

In 1983 I bought my first single action revolver, a Ruger Blackhawk, 7.5" barrel, convertable. I currently own 10 Ruger single actions, Blackhawks, Super Blackhawk, Vaqueros a new Vaquero and a Super Single Six.

If I had to choose just one, it would be that original 7.5" Blackhawk, and I leave the .45 Colt cylinder in it all the time. It hits where I point, and I can ring the 200yd rifle gong offhand. One load, 250gr SWC over 10gr Unique. Clocks avg 1070fps from my gun, and does everything I have ever needed a revolver to do.

I do not care for the birdshead grip, and if you shoot anything over original .45 Colt blackpowder load levels, you won't either! OR at least I don't think you will.

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All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

44 AMP In 1983 I bought my first single action revolver, a Ruger Blackhawk, 7.5" barrel, convertable. I currently own 10 Ruger single actions, Blackhawks, Super Blackhawk, Vaqueros a new Vaquero and a Super Single Six.

If I had to choose just one, it would be that original 7.5" Blackhawk, and I leave the .45 Colt cylinder in it all the time. It hits where I point, and I can ring the 200yd rifle gong offhand. One load, 250gr SWC over 10gr Unique. Clocks avg 1070fps from my gun, and does everything I have ever needed a revolver to do.

I do not care for the birdshead grip, and if you shoot anything over original .45 Colt blackpowder load levels, you won't either! OR at least I don't think you will.

If I could have but ONE gun for everything, and it had to be single action...I agree on the Blackhawk in 45 colt. My load is a 325 grain "ruger only" slug (ie, crimped in the groove, the bullet will only fit into a Ruger) over 23 grains of H110 for 1300fps, or seated over 13 grains of HS-6 for a mild shooting 1100 fps

This round is capable of taking care of all kinds of vermin...4 legged and two.

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